Reproductive Health and Papanicolau Smear Among Women in Ilocos Sur, Philippines: A Mixed Quantitative and Qualitative Study

The study focused on the level of knowledge of the respondents on reproductive health and Pap Smear among women of reproductive age who sought consultation at the selected Municipal Health Offices (MHOs) in Ilocos Sur. It looked into the utilization of Pap Smear among the respondents. It also determined the relationship between the level of knowledge on Pap Smear and the profile of the respondents. It also dealt on the experiences, thoughts, and feelings  of women who availed Papanicolaou Smear. The study revealed that a great percentage of the respondents belong to the age bracket 26-30 years old, are high school undergraduates, have a monthly income of P25, 000 and above, had been pregnant once, have no history of gynecologic disorder, and are using pills. The majority are skilled workers, have a history of one abortion, and no history of gynecologic disorder. A great majority have no history of diagnosed medical condition. The respondents’ level of knowledge on reproductive health (RH) is “Very High”. The utilization of Pap Smear among the respondents is “Very Low”. The “Very High” level of knowledge on Pap Smear of the respondents is significantly related to their monthly family income. In-depth interview revealed that those who underwent Pap Smear did it because it was free, for curiosity, and because of gynecologic concerns. Fear, anxiety, embarrassment, pain, and relief were some of the feelings of the respondents before, during, and after the procedure. They verbalized that Pap Smear is important because it could lead to awareness of other conditions, cleanse the uterus, and regulate menstruation. It is recommended therefore that: 1) the Local Government Units (LGUs) must ensure that Pap Smear is made available and accessible with no or minimal cost to women to increase its low utilization since it is only given for free during the National Women’s Month, 2) health workers must discuss the importance of RH and Pap Smear as well as the real purpose of Pap Smear during pre- marriage counseling, health education classes, and prenatal visits.

Keywords: reproductive health, papanicolau smear, knowledge, utilization